Excitement is building as France takes on Australia this Saturday at the iconic Stade de France! 🇫🇷🇦🇺 But it’s more than just a game; it’s a battle with plenty of history and drama off the field.
This will be the first showdown between these two rugby powerhouses since a heated dispute over match fees left tensions sky-high. The saga dates back to their last clash in August 2023 when France triumphed 41-17, a result that seemed to foreshadow Australia’s shock exit from the Rugby World Cup’s pool stage. A whopping AUS$1.7 million was agreed upon for the match, but France only forwarded a mere AUS$100,000, leaving the Aussies furious and demanding justice.
The former Rugby Australia chairman and French Rugby Federation president did strike a verbal deal, but with new leadership in France and no formal contract, things got messy. Now, World Rugby is mediating to resolve the financial fallout and get both sides back on friendly terms. Meanwhile, Rugby Australia is eager to settle up and move forward, with their CEO Phil Waugh expressing hope for a swift resolution with France’s new leadership.
Beyond the boardroom battles, this match promises thrilling action on the pitch. France is on a hot streak, winning three of their last four encounters with Australia. A win this weekend would make it three straight victories, a first since 1976. Will the Wallabies break the cycle, or will Les Bleus continue their dominant run? Grab your jerseys and settle in for a night of rugby you won’t want to miss! 🏉🔥
#RugbyRivalry #FranceVsAustralia #RugbyDrama #StadeDeFrance #GameOn